It was dusty and so hot that on passing near water one longed to bathe.

Prince Andrew, depressed and preoccupied with the business about which he had to speak to the Marshal, was driving up the avenue in the grounds of the Rostovs' house at Otradnoe.

He heard merry girlish cries behind some trees on the right and saw a group of girls running to cross the path of his caleche.